How to NOT Start a Fire

FIRE ALARM! WEE-WOO WEE-WOO! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!

Okay, actually it is a drill … sorry to scare you like that. We’re talking fire safety today — something that often fades into the background of daily life. Whether it’s a fire extinguisher in the hallway or a smoke detector on the ceiling, these safety precautions are, thankfully, rarely used, but critically important when it matters most.

Aside from arson and spontaneous combustion, many fires are often caused by simple human error. No matter where you live — a house, apartment, condo, bungalow, or yurt — here are some of the most common ways fires start in the home and how to prevent them. 

Let Them Cook

Not so fun fact: kitchen fires are the leading cause for home fires in the United States. The cause? Unattended cooking. Whether you’re making a five course meal or just heating up a frozen pizza, don’t let distractions pull you away from what you’re doing. “When you’re cooking, that should be your only job. That should be the only thing you’re doing,” says Don Dishno, Watertown Fire Department’s fire marshal. “You shouldn’t be doing several things while you’re cooking. You should just be cooking and paying attention to that.”

Batteries Included — Risks, Too

The garage is the second most common place for a fire to start, and it’s increasingly becoming the fault of lithium-ion batteries. “It’s a great technology, but it’s delicate,” says Dishno. “If the battery gets damaged, it creates a chemical reaction that’s volatile, and there’s not usually any warning.” A good rule of thumb is to not leave lithium-ion batteries charging for long periods of time. Once fully charged, disconnect them from the charger, then store them in a fire-resistant place, such as a metal cabinet. “And if you’re not going to be using it for a while, it’s best to drain the power out of it first and then store it,” adds Dishno. 

A Little Too Plugged In

Raise your hand if you have an extension cord doing some heavy lifting in your living room or bedroom. Is your television, Wi-Fi, gaming system, lamp, and foot massager all plugged into the same extension cord? It’s okay. You can admit it. The first step to change is acceptance of a problem. “Extension cords are only meant to be used temporarily. They’re not meant to take the place of permanent wiring,” says Dishno. “And you never want to run cords under a rug. Constant movement causes damage to the cord which increases the likelihood of a fire starting.”

Got Gas?

Don’t worry, this fire mitigation strategy doesn’t require Pepto Bismol. Any gas-powered appliances in your home should have a carbon monoxide detector nearby. You should also place one where you sleep, and preferably near a vent. “Carbon monoxide is the exact same weight as air,” says Dishno. “So, wherever your vents are blowing is where the carbon monoxide will go.”

Lint Happens

When was the last time you cleaned your dryer vent? No, not just your dryer’s lint trap, but the actual vent that connects your dryer into the wall. If you notice your clothes taking longer to dry, your clothes coming out unusually hot, or excess lint building up behind your dryer, it’s time to check your vent and clean it out. Dryer vents are one of the leading causes of home fires because lint is highly flammable, so regular cleaning makes a big difference.

Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

If a fire does start, preparation can make all the difference. Make sure your home or renter’s insurance is current and that you understand what your policy covers. Keep important documents — like passports, birth certificates, and insurance information — in a fireproof safe or secure digital backup. And know where your home’s electricity, water, and gas shut-offs are located in case you need to act quickly during an emergency. 

And while being prepared can help if a fire does start, reducing risks ahead of time is the most effective way to prevent one from starting in the first place. “The best way to come back from a fire is to never have one,” says Dishno.